Some interesting thoughts from Olga and she does mention the "squirrel" as her favorite from the London games.
A few other interesting views about changes in the scoring system and the equipment.

Thinking back, as much as I loved Olga's floor routines I didn't realize the floor had no spring back then.

I did not make a list of favorite Olympians (I have too many) but if I did Olga would be right up at the top.

Thanks, Janetfan. What a wonderful interview. Both ladies, Korbut and Dawes, come off well in it. I loved when Olga explained the difference in the scoring system back then. I agree that Korbut would go on my list of favorite Olympians. More so than Nadia, even, because of her wonderful personality. I also had a special affection for her floor routine. Nadia was more aloof and businesslike and didn't project personality as well as Olga.

I do remember some comment in 1984, when Mary Lou was performing, about the floor being sprung at that point, so I assume that this was when the new floors were instituted.

I don't see why they can't have a tie. It would be a lot less painful. I hate watching people who think they've won and then have to back away. The gymnastics federation should have said, "Phooey on you, IOC. We're the marquee sport of the Summer Olympics, and we're doing things our way."

At least Ponor got a medal, and for a far more distinguished performance (that slinky floor exercise) than the disputed beam. It was a real pleasure to watch her. She has the interpretive power of a mature artist--she doesn't look like a wind-up toy that's been programmed by the coach. Too bad she's not a figure skater. There's not much scope for musicality in gymnastics floor routines these days. I wish I'd seen the medal ceremony.

By the way, did everyone see Nelli Kim there supervising the judges' panel during the deliberations over the balance beam protest? She was on that great Soviet team in 1976, and she was the only other gymnast besides Comaneci who got perfect 10's. Hers were on the vault and the floor exercise. I'm glad she's still involved with gymnastics.

I don't see why they can't have a tie. It would be a lot less painful. I hate watching people who think they've won and then have to back away. The gymnastics federation should have said, "Phooey on you, IOC. We're the marquee sport of the Summer Olympics, and we're doing things our way."

At least Ponor got a medal, and for a far more distinguished performance (that slinky floor exercise) than the disputed beam. It was a real pleasure to watch her. She has the interpretive power of a mature artist--she doesn't look like a wind-up toy that's been programmed by the coach. Too bad she's not a figure skater. There's not much scope for musicality in gymnastics floor routines these days. I wish I'd seen the medal ceremony.

By the way, did everyone see Nelli Kim there supervising the judges' panel during the deliberations over the balance beam protest? She was on that great Soviet team in 1976, and she was the only other gymnast besides Comaneci who got perfect 10's. Hers were on the vault and the floor exercise. I'm glad she's still involved with gymnastics.

Ponor handled her loss of medal, at her last Olympics by shaking her head, but her federation did not rush over. It was instigated by Bela Karolyi in the stands. Mihi (sp) Aly's coach said "for what?" so I guess it pays to complain because there is leeway in gymnastics and skating to change a mark and thus a medal. No one gets perfect scores now but I think a perfect score was deserved twice for mckayla maroney. too bad she couldn't do it on the indivdual vault. She was definitely ripped at her silver, disappointed in herself, I am sure. Gabby seems to smile through it all, though she will be her own self. It is interesting she at one point in Desmoines was not working and not good attitude. Apparently she had her phone and laptop taken away. It reminds us these are sheltered kids, and not Robots, yet some coaches/countries really apply the pressure. Bela may be a tough old nut but he does what it takes to produce champions. It has been very interesting to watch him lead USA gymnatics over the years.

I will forever be in Jordyn's corner and if she competes, I hope she does great again. Her heartbreak was understandable, and I hope she realizes the team gold would not have happened without her. She is very gracious...thee are a lot of pictures of mckayla out there, apparently she is not very popular. I think when they tour and do all the shows on TV, that might be forgotten. I woonder if the other 4 will get endorsements? I truly hope they all get something. They are all reasonable cute, and I am hoping Kyla stays in and does well. I think she'd be a marketable athlete. I have so enjoyed watching the gymnastics but wanted to see more countries, more gymnasts And Komova and Mustafina show us the beauty that is still Russian gymnastics. I loved the chinese on beam. I didn't watch much of the mens but it is amazing what they do know for tumbling. A wonderful Olympics for the USA and when Mustafina is fully healed, watch out. I regret that we, at least I did not see the 37 year old woman from ? do her thing do her thing. I hope these routines show up on youtube eventually.